Labor resurrects Howard's uranium plan

By Katharine Murphy

THE Federal Government has quietly resurrected John Howard's plan to expand uranium mining in Australia.

Resources Minister Martin Ferguson, an enthusiastic industry advocate, has reconvened the Uranium Industry Framework, a hand-picked advisory group appointed by the previous government.

Policies on its agenda include a forthcoming information campaign, paid for by the uranium industry, to address public concern about uranium mining.

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The group also wants to introduce national rules for the industry, better training for workers exposed to radiation, and a national register recording mining workers' levels of exposure to radiation.

There is a separate strategy to use uranium mining to improve the economic fortunes of indigenous communities and to improve "engagement" between traditional owners and mining companies.

But Mr Ferguson says the Government will not pursue an idea the previous government flirted with — over-riding state bans in Western Australia and Queensland that prevent new uranium mines or other nuclear activities.

Uranium mining remains an extremely sensitive subject in the Labor Party. An emotional debate at the party's national conference last year resolved, by the narrowest of margins, to drop a long-standing ban on new uranium mines, but Queensland and WA declared they would keep their laws preventing new mines.

Mr Ferguson says Canberra will not override those states, but says it is only a matter of time before mining developments occur in those states, which have large uranium deposits.

"Queensland and Western Australia, at a point, will fall into line," Mr Ferguson said. "The uranium industry will open up."

He says exploration for new uranium deposits is under way in all states, including WA and Queensland, and new mining developments are likely in the Northern Territory.

He says Australian uranium will play an important role in powering nuclear reactors in other countries wanting to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

He predicts substantial growth in nuclear power outside Australia.

"Some countries see nuclear as part of their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Ferguson said.

"Uranium mining has got a bright future and it's going to lead to increased export earnings for Australia and jobs."